NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Matt Harvey says he’s “ahead of schedule” following Tommy John surgery last week.

The Mets ace told the New York Daily News on Monday that he feels “good” and has been “working hard” rehabbing his pitching elbow.

“I am just doing range of motion stuff now, but today was the first day I could take the bandages off and I was at (the Hospital for Special Surgery) working and everybody thinks I am ahead of schedule,” said Harvey, who was attending the New York Rangers’ home opener at Madison Square Garden.

Harvey initially chose to attempt to strengthen a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The 24-year-old reversed course earlier this month, electing for the surgical option.

“Before I decided to go with surgery, I wanted to make sure I was mentally prepared, just fully committed in my decision,” Harvey told the Daily News, adding that he wanted to “make sure everything was perfect.”

He underwent Tommy John surgery on Oct. 22.

That said, “ahead of schedule” doesn’t mean he’ll be taking the mound at any point in 2014. The Mets “are not prepared to let Harvey pitch next season,” the Daily News reported.

Harvey, who started the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field, went 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA and 191 strikeouts before being shut down with the injury in late August.